The 1980s Cinema at a Glance

After the tumultuous decade that spanned the 1970s, a lot of Americans were more than ready to embrace more conservative ideals in the ‘80s. The decade was known as a period of consumerism and materialism, giving rise to some of the first blockbusters movies and the introduction of cable television networks.

The ‘80s saw the age of the blockbuster, with more people going to the movies and films making millions of dollars during their box office runs. The decade also gave rise to a new breed of high-profile actors, like Harrison Ford, whose career soared to great heights after starring as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Sylvester Stallone also made it big in the ‘80s, with Stalone appearing in the first installment of the Rambo franchise, First Blood, in 1982.

Labyrinth, the popular musical fantasy film, was also released in the ‘80s, with Michael Jackson meant to play the role of Jareth the Goblin King instead of David Bowie. The Breakfast Club, another classic that was released in 1985, was initially called Detention and used 10,000 books donated by the Chicago Public Library for the main film set. One of the decade’s blockbusters, E.T. by Steven Spielberg, was also released but originally had a different plot, specifically, a family being terrorized by five aliens.

Apart from the huge success of Hollywood films and actors in the ‘80s, the decade also marked the release of the very first commercial cellular phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x which weighed two pounds. The first personal computer was also released, with the use of home computers becoming more common and popular as the decade wore on. The classic hand-held game console, Gameboy, was also unleashed on the public in the ‘80s, later becoming one of the most iconic toys of the decade.

During the ‘80s, there were no seatbelt laws, kids still rode in the tray of their parents’ pickup trucks, and candy bars such as Hershey’s and Baby Ruths only cost 25 cents each.

The Decade’s 5 Best Films

Back to the Future

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future is a science fiction film released in 1985. It stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time from 1985 to 1955. During his trip to the past, he meets his teenage parents and even becomes a love interest of his mother. He also comes across Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd, an eccentric scientist who invents the DeLorean, the automobile time travel machine that took him back to 1955 in the first place.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a teen comedy film directed, written, and co-produced by John Hughes in 1986. It follows the story of Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, a high school student who frequently slacks off from his academic responsibilities. The film shows Ferris breaking the fourth wall throughout the movie, addressing the audience directly as he attempts to explain his inner thoughts and techniques.

Ghostbusters 

Ghostbusters is a classic fantasy comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman. It tells the story of three parapsychologists, Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, and Raymond Stantz who start their own business catching ghosts in New York City. The film stars Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd and was the first to use expensive special effects in production.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 1982. It follows the story of Elliot, played by Henry Thomas, a boy who becomes friends with an extra-terrestrial, aptly named E.T., after the latter becomes stranded on Earth. Elliot develops a telepathic connection with the alien, even becoming sick when E.T.’s health starts to deteriorate in Earth’s atmosphere. With the help of Elliot’s siblings, they attempt to return E.T. to his home planet while keeping his existence under wraps from their parents and the government.

The Goonies  

Released in 1985, The Goonies was directed by Richard Donner. The film follows the story of a group of kids living in the Goon Docks as they try to stop the foreclosure of their homes. In the process of doing so, they end up discovering an old treasure map that leads them on an adventure to find One-Eyed Willy’s long-lost treasure. Unfortunately for the kids, they’re not the only ones after the 17th century pirate’s fortune. They cross paths with a family of criminals who want the riches for themselves.

The Three Best Directors of the 1980s 

Steven Spielberg

Steven Allan Spielberg, one of the founding pioneers of New Hollywood, was born on 18 December 1946. He is now one of the most sought-after directors and producers in the history of filmmaking, after starting out as a director for TV shows in Hollywood. During the 1960s, he became one of Universal Studios’ youngest TV directors, eventually going on to direct the popular TV film, Duel, which opened the doors for him to move into cinema. After helming a series of massive cinematic hits, he is now recognized as the most commercially successful director worldwide.

John Hughes

John Hughes, an American filmmaker who is most widely known for his role in writing and directing some of the most successful live action comedy movies in the ‘80s, was born on 18 February 1950. His coming-of-age films often feature honest to goodness depictions of how it is to live as a teenager in the suburbs; at the same time, combining this realism with a touch of magic.

John Carpenter  

John Howard Carpenter, born on 16 January 1948, is a film director most commonly associated with his work in horror, science fiction, and action films in the ‘80s. While many of his films failed to garner critical acclaim, they still became cult classics and there’s no denying that his influence in the film industry stretches far and wide.